Root canal treatment is an effective and highly successful dental procedure, that is often used to save a tooth that would otherwise be removed due to decay or trauma.
This guide aims to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that patients have about root canal treatment.
What exactly is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) is a procedure which removes infected/inflamed pulp from the inside of a tooth, relieving the pain caused by infection and when successful, saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
When is root canal treatment needed?
Tooth pulp is the innermost portion of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels. If tooth decay is left untreated for a long period of time, or if a tooth becomes fractured due to trauma or injury, this pulp can become exposed.
This allows bacteria to enter the pulp and cause it to become infected, which can lead to pain, swelling & dental abscess.
When this happens, root canal treatment is often recommended in order to remove the dead infected pulp, eliminating pain and preventing further infection.
Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include severe pain in a tooth while chewing/biting, long-lasting sensitivity to hot/cold, a large chip or fracture, and swollen/inflamed gums in the area.
Why have I been recommended root canal treatment?
There are many reasons why your dentist might recommend a root canal treatment. Root canal treatment may be necessary to treat advanced tooth decay, where the tooth pulp has become exposed, or where a filling has failed as the decay is too deep.
If a tooth has become dislodged & reinserted, or fractured following a dental injury, root canal treatment may be used to remove the dying nerve. Root canal may also be suggested in advance of a dental crown being placed, to eliminate any risk of future infections underneath the crown.
Our clinicians always aim to preserve as much of your tooth as possible, while ensuring all infection within the tooth is eliminated.
Root canal treatment is always carried out at the practice using the highest quality materials and the latest technology available in the field of endodontics.
What happens during root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself should not cause pain, although feeling a little bit of discomfort in the days following is totally normal.
During endodontic treatment, the dentist will access the inside of the tooth by drilling a small hole, similar to during a filling, in order to access the various canals (teeth can have just one, or several canals depending on what type of tooth it is).
Once they have gained access to the canal(s), they will clean, shape and thoroughly disinfect the nerve space within the tooth. This is done by using various cleaning solutions and endodontic equipment.
Once all the infected pulp and nerve tissue has been removed and the pulp chamber disinfected, the empty space is then filled with a rubber material, before a filling is placed to permanently seal the tooth.
What happens to a tooth following root canal treatment?
Following root canal treatment, the structure of the tooth needs to be reinforced to ensure it stays strong and functions as normal. In some cases, the permanent filling placed after root canal treatment is sufficient to strengthen the tooth structure, however, in most cases a dental crown is recommended after root canal treatment.
Your clinician will always recommend the best course of action for your tooth following root canal treatment and will advise on the appropriate length of time before a dental crown can be placed.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Generally, root canal treatment is completed in a single 60-90 minute session at the practice. However, in some cases the procedure is completed over two appointments, during which the root canal treatment is split into two different stages.
This may be done as an emergency treatment to relieve severe pain and allow time for a course of antibiotics to work before a patient is brought back for the completion of the procedure.
Will I experience pain following root canal treatment?
You may experience some tenderness/discomfort in the first day or two following root canal treatment, however most patients have little pain afterwards, and manage well with just regular pain relief.
In some cases, a secondary infection can occur in the weeks following root canal treatment, however this is rare and your dentist will prescribe you a course of antibiotics in the event this occurs.
Are there any alternatives to root canal treatment?
If a patient has been recommended root canal treatment, then this is the best course of action for the tooth being treated.
Another option is extraction, however in most cases it is favourable to try and save the natural tooth and avoid removing it, and extraction will only be recommended in the event that a root canal is unsuitable.
How much does root canal treatment cost?
The cost of root canal varies depending on the type of tooth that requires treatment, but generally speaking root canal treatment can cost between €475.00 and €795.00, but may cost more depending on the complexity of the case.
If you have been recommended root canal treatment, your clinician will always give you an accurate quotation based on your specific treatment requirements.
Why have I been referred to a specialist for root canal treatment?
In most cases, root canal treatment can be performed in one or two sessions with your clinician here at the practice, however sometimes for very complex cases we will refer patients to an endodontic specialist.
If you have been referred to an endodontist for treatment, your clinician will always advise why the root canal could not be carried out here and will recommended a specialist that is best suited to your individual treatment needs.
How do I organise an appointment for root canal treatment?
It is essential that you have a full consultation prior to any root canal treatment, so that the dentist can create a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you and your smile.
To organise a consultation with one of our clinicians, contact our patient care team on 091 757 678 or email info@renmoredental.ie for more information.
A list of all treatments we offer at the practice can be found in our treatment section.
